A Final WEAAD
Resource Round-up
 Tomorrow,
communities around the world will commemorate World Elder Abuse Awareness
Day (WEAAD). It is not too late for you to join this global movement:
shows a
generational connection and teachable moment between a great grandfather
and his great grandson.)
- Join
a WEAAD event
near you.
- Share
photos from your WEAAD activities and commemorations on social media
using #WEAAD.
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Combatting Elder
Abuse: It’s About Dignity
This morning we shared ACL Administrator Lance Robertson's WEAAD call
to lift up the voices of older survivors and create more just communities
for people of all ages and abilities. Robertson also wrote a guest post
for the Social Security Administration's blog discussing the importance of
dignity for older adults and highlighting laws and resources that promote
equality for older adults.
This Saturday is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), when
people all over the world voice support for the rights and dignity of
elders and opposition to the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older
adults.
WEAAD is part of a global movement for “elder justice” that
asserts the fundamental dignity and equality of older adults. Elder justice
requires us to develop systems, approaches, and programs that prevent
abuse, protect people from abusive situations, and support those members of
our community who have experienced abuse to help them recover.
Abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation are not the
inevitable consequences of growing old. We all have a role to play in
changing how we talk about elder abuse in this country and around the
world. Respecting the dignity and rights of people of all ages is a core
American value, and a principle built into many American laws. For example:
- The Elder Justice Act established
programs and initiatives to strengthen the federal response to elder
abuse, promote elder justice research, and support state Adult
Protective Services (APS) systems. If you suspect elder abuse,
neglect, or exploitation, contact your local APS office.
- The Older Americans Act (OAA) created
programs and services that help older adults stay healthy and engaged
in our communities. You can connect to nutrition, caregiver support,
legal assistance, and other OAA programs through Eldercare Locator or by calling
800-677-1116.
- The Nursing Home Reform Act established
a “Resident’s Bill of Rights” for people in most long-term care
facilities. It includes the right to privacy, to participate in all
aspects of care, to complain without retribution, and to visits from
friends and medical providers. If you believe your rights, or the rights
of a loved one in a long-term care facility, are being violated, contact your local Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
- The Americans with Disabilities Act protects
the civil rights of people with disabilities of all ages and helps
make our communities more accessible and age-friendly. State Protection and Advocacy agencies inform
and empower people with disabilities by investigating suspected abuse
and neglect, and providing free legal representation and support for
clients.
Our society is like a building. Just as buildings need
strong supports and secure beams to remain strong, our society needs solid
“social” beams so that we can all participate fully in our communities,
living free from abuse as we age. As we commemorate World Elder Abuse
Awareness Day, I hope you will join me in lifting up the voices of
survivors, and taking action, such as engaging with the
older people in your life, empowering members of your community with
information, involving students and young people, or by speaking out.
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